Sickle Cell Disease and Bone Marrow Transplant in Nigeria

In Nigeria, every year, around 1,00,000 kids are born with Sickle cell Disease; Nigeria contributes the most significant number of sickle cell disease patients in the world. Although about 75% of kids die from SCD, WHO says if Nigeria provides low-cost diagnosis and treatments, the death can be reduced by 70%. Sickle cell Disease is a life-threatening disease; it is an inherited blood disorder. The Sickle cells stop red blood cells from transferring oxygen to the body, which brings a condition to the body. Therefore, the government is taking many new initiatives to fight Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria. Sickle Cell Disease treatment cost in Nigeria is around $55000. In this article, you will read about Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria and the treatment of SCD using a Bone Marrow Transplant.

Bone Marrow Transplant cost for Sickle Cell Anemia in Nigeria

The cost of a bone marrow transplant for Sickle cell anemia treatment in Nigeria ranges between NGN 252,96,000 and NGN 3,41,56,800.

What are the causes of Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria?

Nigeria is one of the top countries contributing to the most significant number of Sickle Cell Disease patients. Although the Nigerian government is taking many initiatives to prevent Sickle cell disease, there are many causes of SCD in Nigeria.

Nigeria has many malaria cases; not only does malaria increase mortality, but it also raises the risk of Sickle Cell Disease.

Congenital Sickle Cell Disease is brought on by inheriting specific genes.

Marriages within the family are one of the major factors in getting Sickle Cell Disease.

Nigeria Government Objectives for Sickle Cell Disease Treatment

The government has encouraged the implementation of sickle-cell-friendly policies to advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Its goals included raising awareness of suffering in society, highlighting sickle cell patients’ experiences, and providing healthcare professionals and caregivers with the most up-to-date management information and abilities to effectively address barriers, myths, and realities when managing sickle cell crises.

LUTH’s Bone Marrow Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease Treatment in Nigeria

There is a chance that every 4th citizen of Nigeria can give birth to a sickle-cell-infected child. But unfortunately, around 1,50,000 children are born with sickle cell disease every year, and 1,00,000 die before turning 5. Seeing these statistics, the governor of Lagos University Teaching Hospital took the initiative and started a Bone marrow transplant center at LUTH to treat the growing sickle cell disease in the country.

Sanwo-Olu, the hospital governor, underlined the statistics showing the terrible number of SCD in Nigeria and added that the impacts of sickle cell disease much surpass those of COVID-19, which has only so far claimed roughly a thousand deaths nationwide. He stated that government should prioritize the sickle cell disease spread over the country and wiping out the next generation.

In Nigeria, LUTH’s bone marrow transplant center fits and fully supports the Sickle cell disease treatment project. Nearly 50 children from Nigeria underwent successful bone marrow transplants at the Mediterranean Institute of Technology in Rome, Italy, and it is the partner with the project by LUTH.

Nigerian Government’s Initiatives for Sickle Cell Disease Treatment

With more than 206 million people, Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and likely has one with the most significant number of people living with sickle cell disease worldwide. Access to healthcare facilities is frequently insufficient, and patients are responsible for covering all associated expenditures. Insurance covers only around 3% of the cost of treatment.

In 2013, the Nigerian government created a strategy and procedure for newborn screening in addition to guidelines for the prevention and control of sickle cell disease, which is recognized as a priority non-communicable disease. In each of the country’s geopolitical zones, the government constructed six comprehensive newborn screening centers. Still, their operation has been hampered by the high cost of diagnostic tools and a lack of skilled staff.

The first national health survey to incorporate information on sickle cell disease was the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). It presents a great potential to improve sickle cell disease mortality estimates by combining point-of-care testing for the condition with a typical nationally representative survey of children’s health and survival in the general population. In addition, by seeing the result and statistics, the government has recently improved the loopholes in the screening centers by appointing skillful staff and providing tools and technologies for proper tests.

Nigeria’s Bone Marrow Registry

Seun Adebiyi, a Nigerian-born Yale University alumnus, was born and raised there. So when he learned that black persons in the US cannot find a bone marrow donor through US registries, he was just 26 years old and barely out of Yale.

He then realized how difficult it is for black patients in wealthy nations like the USA to get donors. Only 17% of black Americans find a match, and only 8% of donors in USA registries are black, compared to 70% of white patients who do.

The Nigerian government established a nationwide task force in January 2012 to lead the development of several stem cell transplantation facilities. The Nigerian Bone Marrow Registry (BMRN) was formally launched the following month.

Patients in Nigeria can search within their nation for bone marrow donors now that the country has its registry. In addition, through the global cooperative known as Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide, they will also be able to look for potential donors in other nations.

Success Rate of Bone Marrow Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease Treatment in Nigeria

The life expectancy of people receiving bone marrow transplants is increasing along with medical advancements. Numerous variables, including the underlying illness, the source of the cells, and the patient’s general health status, affect the success rates. Nevertheless, patients now have a longer average lifespan than they had ten years ago. In Nigeria, bone marrow transplantation for treating sickle cell disease has a success rate of about 85%.

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